Huge fan of using lateral blows to the cover with a rubber mallet, rather than forcing a flathead and prying against the cover, to remove it. The risk is marring the surface or bending the cover, for those that wish to reuse it. I also 2nd the idea of making sure that you can remove any plugs before committing to removing the cover, unless you have another vehicle handy. Big fan of spraying the inside with brake cleaner after clearing the sump of deposits, as this makes inspection of the gears much easier. Get liberal and spray the black off of the inside, and the gearing. It will just run the nastiness out. Wipe the sump again to get any pooled brake cleaner out. That brake cleaner will also 100% degrease the gasket surfaces, optimizing sealer adhesion (rtv, gasket maker, etc.).
Nice vid thanks! Just a suggestion, first thing I’d do is remove the fill plug before going any further. Often times previous person causes damage there.
Very useful video. The instructions were clear and inclusive. We were able to change out differential fluid with no problems. Thank you for posting this on UA-cam.
We love to hear that our videos are helping people get the repair done! That's our main goal. Great work, and thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com?UA-cam&CTA%20Comment&ATony 866-403-3393
FordTechMakuLoco has a video on this job as well but he says the torque specs on all model years of F150 is 35 FT-lbs. That seems pretty far off from 20 FT-lbs like this video recommends. Could it be because he didn’t use an actual rubber gasket? In his video he only uses cover sealant but would that affect the torque specs by that much? He also works on a 9.75” ring gear diameter and this one looks like an 8.8”, could that be the difference in torque specs? Just trying to understand why it’s such a big difference between the two videos.
Use brake cleaner to clean the ring/pinion and to inspect the spider gears. It also doubles as a cleaning agent for the mating surfaces when reassembling the cover.
Would it be OK to drill a hole in the cover plate and install a 10/24 roofing screw with the rubber washer on it? You could then drain and replace the fluid with no fuss or mess. Do it about 3 time within 1000 miles. The magnet does not need to be cleaned it will still pick up metal. I would think you would be in good shape. What is the downside? (why don't they put a drain plug in the cover plate?)
Great video! Thank you! Is it possible to use too much limited-slip additive? I changed mine using Valvoline diff fluid that supposedly had the additive in it, but I'm getting a chatter/vibration when pulling away from a stop making a left or right hand turn. Wondering if I should just add a packet of limited slip additive?
+mp15a Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com
I'm getting ready to perform this maintenance on my 2004 Ford F150. My Chilton manual says 33ft-lbs for the cover and 22ft-lbs for the fill plug. Will it make a difference?
A lot of other brands are less expensive than Motorcraft. Would you feel confident using another brand ? Especially since Ford has it made by an oil company and puts their label on it. Thanks, and great videos.
+Edwin Orellana Thank you for checking us out! Typically this would range between about 30k-60k depending on what your driving is like (city driving vs highway).
Please use a plastic scraper rather than a razor blade scraper on the mating faces of the diff cover. You can cause gouging and maybe it will leak in the future.
+Jesse Bedolla Thanks for checking us out! We always recommend to refer to your owners manual for your vehicles specifics when it comes to fluids. If you can't locate your manual or find this information on a Ford Forum, you can give your Dealer a call and they can let you know. 1aauto.com
+MegaSinster It may be a different procedure on your application. We currently do not have an auto repair video for this particular year, make and model. Thank you for asking. 1aauto.com
Do you know what the recommended change interval is? I work with a guy who has an F-150 and swears his owners manual says it doesn't need to be changed.
30-60K miles. My F150 has 250K miles, but I co-own it with my brother. Our deal is I pay for all maintenance since he bought it for $700. I just spent $163 on a brake job plus oil changes, but he is mechanicalyl phobic and runs away from anything mechanical. We are twins and just turned 59!!
Hi, does this f150 use a 6r80 automatic transmission? I own a 2015 Mustang GT Auto 6r80. Do the automatic cars use the same type of diff fluid as the manual cars? Reason I ask is that I always hear manual car owners talking about diff fluid maintenance schedules whereas I never heard an auto car owner talk about changing out the diff fluid. Only the ATF.
I have a 2005 ford f150 FX4 5.4L could you tell me what size gaskets I would need for front and rear differential covers? Or part number would help. Thx
You should always loosen the fill plug before draining.. if it happens to strip for some reason, then you’re screwed because you already drained it out.
I can’t figure witch oil wait to use on my 2006 ford ranger xlt 3.0 there’s not a tag on my dif that’s says and can I use full synthetic gear oil and how much oil does it take and do performance coil pack help or a stock one better
Je Ps add 8oz of additive. I just read the owners manual. Mine is leaking. I gotta fix the leak. Making a gasket using RTV. Owners manual states you don’t need to change the fluid unless it’s leaking or it’s submerged in water.
yes,check your manual. My 250 is 16 oz. Sometimes youll need even more than recommended if its got a lot of wear. Most people add till it no longer chatters
+Sergio How Thank you for contacting us! A torque wrench would be needed to complete the install and to ensure it is tightened to the proper spec. Please let us know if you have any further questions, thank you.
My manual says it has "lifetime oil" and only change if you've been submerged under water. WTF magical oil lasts a lifetime? Anyways I changed it thanks to your video and the oilw as totally broken down , 22 years old. Lots of metal too.
+Joaquin Sanchez This procedure might be slightly different for your application. We do not currently have a how-to video for this particular year. Thank you for asking! 1AAuto.com
+Joaquin Sanchez You will want to use whatever weight oil the tag says. If you have a limited slip axle you will want to put in some additive like we show you in the video!
Yes, to remove the sludge from the bottom at least. I've seen others use a fluid exchange pump using the fill-hole, but you aren't able to remove 100% of the oil or the any of the sediment from the bottom.
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Great video. For all the newbies out there. Make sure you can get your fill plug out before you drain it all the way…. Ask me how I know 😂
Huge fan of using lateral blows to the cover with a rubber mallet, rather than forcing a flathead and prying against the cover, to remove it. The risk is marring the surface or bending the cover, for those that wish to reuse it. I also 2nd the idea of making sure that you can remove any plugs before committing to removing the cover, unless you have another vehicle handy. Big fan of spraying the inside with brake cleaner after clearing the sump of deposits, as this makes inspection of the gears much easier. Get liberal and spray the black off of the inside, and the gearing. It will just run the nastiness out. Wipe the sump again to get any pooled brake cleaner out. That brake cleaner will also 100% degrease the gasket surfaces, optimizing sealer adhesion (rtv, gasket maker, etc.).
You should make your own video there sizzle chest!
Nice vid thanks!
Just a suggestion, first thing I’d do is remove the fill plug before going any further. Often times previous person causes damage there.
Jonathan Gutierrez exactly, first step as it’s ripped off you can still drive otherwise you are stuck.
Just for everyone's knowledge. The precise torque specs for this diff housing cover bolts is 32 Nm (24 lb-ft) as per the official Ford service manual.
Very useful video. The instructions were clear and inclusive. We were able to change out differential fluid with no problems. Thank you for posting this on UA-cam.
We love to hear that our videos are helping people get the repair done! That's our main goal. Great work, and thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com?UA-cam&CTA%20Comment&ATony 866-403-3393
FYI all - Make sure fill plug can be removed prior to draining rear end fluid
helped me change my leaking gasket. did it with truck sitting on level ground . had no problems.
You make everything look so easy, Mike. Makes me think I can attempt a few of the repairs. Thanks! 👍
Thank you guys. I’ve done repairs on my own saving me bigly. I e ordered parts as well as a thank you receiving quality parts.
Very helpful, especially since I didn’t have search on forums for torque specs
RTD should always go to inside of any bolt holes, in any application. Never to the outside, just an FYI to all.
not necessarily. There are many times the holes are thru holes and can push rtv into passages you dont want it in.
FordTechMakuLoco has a video on this job as well but he says the torque specs on all model years of F150 is 35 FT-lbs. That seems pretty far off from 20 FT-lbs like this video recommends. Could it be because he didn’t use an actual rubber gasket? In his video he only uses cover sealant but would that affect the torque specs by that much? He also works on a 9.75” ring gear diameter and this one looks like an 8.8”, could that be the difference in torque specs? Just trying to understand why it’s such a big difference between the two videos.
Use brake cleaner to clean the ring/pinion and to inspect the spider gears. It also doubles as a cleaning agent for the mating surfaces when reassembling the cover.
not on an LS... you wouldn't want that on the clutches
Would it be OK to drill a hole in the cover plate and install a 10/24 roofing screw with the rubber washer on it? You could then drain and replace the fluid with no fuss or mess. Do it about 3 time within 1000 miles. The magnet does not need to be cleaned it will still pick up metal. I would think you would be in good shape. What is the downside? (why don't they put a drain plug in the cover plate?)
Great video! Thank you! Is it possible to use too much limited-slip additive? I changed mine using Valvoline diff fluid that supposedly had the additive in it, but I'm getting a chatter/vibration when pulling away from a stop making a left or right hand turn. Wondering if I should just add a packet of limited slip additive?
how could u possibly down vote this they even had the torque wrench specs THANKS OP
First step is always loosen fill cap. Never use a screwdriver.
@@rojodogg Good tip! still a great how-to, however.
Sooo roodoog (Negative Nancy🥺)... What should ya use in place of a screwdriver to remove the diff. Cover⁉️
Hard plastic driver from Hardie freight.
He is correct.
Easier when you got an industrial size lift.. like most DIY people don’t have
I would do magic with a lift like that . LOL.
Dig a hole in a local park drive over it change your fluid=win
the best repair video as always!! Thanks
love it. Its exactly what i needed to know.
Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393
Awesome Guy's! Great Job! Thanks!
+mp15a Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com
Could you do an instructional for the front 4x4 diff in the 04-08 years?
Yeah for the front diff
Is a new gasket needed, or is it no big deal to reuse? I’m just starting to get into taking care of my own vehicles (to save time and $ lol).
You don't list the 3/8's ratchet for the fill plug, nor the limited slip additive in your needed parts list. How much and what kind of additive is it?
GBT III it’s 8 oz of additive
And RTV gasket maker.
Correct me if I'm wrong but you said torque to 20 and the wrench you link to only goes down to 25. Is it all approximate?
I'm getting ready to perform this maintenance on my 2004 Ford F150. My Chilton manual says 33ft-lbs for the cover and 22ft-lbs for the fill plug. Will it make a difference?
A lot of other brands are less expensive than Motorcraft. Would you feel confident using another brand ? Especially since Ford has it made by an oil company and puts their label on it. Thanks, and great videos.
Great Video! Exactly what I was looking for!
+Steve Hollingshead We're glad the video helped you out. Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393
want to thank you for your great videos and help. Great shop and hope you doing excellent.
how many quarts of 75w-140 gear oil does it need for refill?
4 quarts I think
How many ?
Thank you for this video.
Great video, thank you so much!
+Martin C. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
very good video, much appreciated, nice commentary
+nick d Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com
I’m at 210,000 miles should I change mine?
thanks for the videos 1A Auto. My truck as 51,000 miles on. whats the miles interval for the differential oil change?
+Edwin Orellana Thank you for checking us out! Typically this would range between about 30k-60k depending on what your driving is like (city driving vs highway).
What kind of spray paint did you paint the cover ? Thanks
Doesn’t that VALVOLINE have the limited slip stuff already
Step #1 loosen fill cap.
You didn't mention anything about making sure the rtv is gear oil resistant and that at least an hour (overnight preferred) for curing of the sealant.
Please use a plastic scraper rather than a razor blade scraper on the mating faces of the diff cover. You can cause gouging and maybe it will leak in the future.
+TheMustangster Thanks for the feedback!
Thank you so much !
How much limited slip differential additive do you put in?
+Rene Dimaano Thanks for watching! You can usually purchase additive in a pouch like you see in the video. You want to add the whole thing! 1aauto.com
I'm using the mobile 1 75w140 do I need to add the limited slip friction packet cuz it says that already has some in there
Do U need to put additive friction modifier in a electronically limited slip differential 4wd Ford F-150? Thanks
Hey, I saw you added some "limited slip additive". Do you really need it?
+Charkatak We do recommend it.
Thank you!
i cant find the front differential on my 05 f150 5.4, any tips?
Lol. It's not a 4 wheel drive
4WD?
2 wheel drive ?
Scammed by the salesman
Do you always need the limited slip additive, does it depend on the differential you have?
+Jesse Bedolla Thanks for checking us out! We always recommend to refer to your owners manual for your vehicles specifics when it comes to fluids. If you can't locate your manual or find this information on a Ford Forum, you can give your Dealer a call and they can let you know. 1aauto.com
do you guys have a video for changing the differential fluid for an 09 crown vic interceptor?
+MegaSinster It may be a different procedure on your application. We currently do not have an auto repair video for this particular year, make and model. Thank you for asking. 1aauto.com
Do you know what the recommended change interval is? I work with a guy who has an F-150 and swears his owners manual says it doesn't need to be changed.
every 100k mile
30-60K miles. My F150 has 250K miles, but I co-own it with my brother. Our deal is I pay for all maintenance since he bought it for $700. I just spent $163 on a brake job plus oil changes, but he is mechanicalyl phobic and runs away from anything mechanical. We are twins and just turned 59!!
That guy sounds like the 1 upper.
Always has a better way of doing things,
Never been wrong,
Has done it better than the next. :)
How to know on which the correct cover for my truck? I went to you guys website and im not sure which gearing im on. I have 2005 ford f150. Thank you!
My 05 f150 would only take 3 quarts, plus 4oz PS additive? Case was wiped clean when cover was off.
So replacing the differential cover is recommended when changing the oil?
+Nick Dionne It doesn't hurt but if it's still good, you should be fine. It's personal preference
Hi, does this f150 use a 6r80 automatic transmission? I own a 2015 Mustang GT Auto 6r80. Do the automatic cars use the same type of diff fluid as the manual cars? Reason I ask is that I always hear manual car owners talking about diff fluid maintenance schedules whereas I never heard an auto car owner talk about changing out the diff fluid. Only the ATF.
I have a 2005 ford f150 FX4 5.4L could you tell me what size gaskets I would need for front and rear differential covers? Or part number would help. Thx
How do you know if it needs limited slip fluid is it for the 2wd trucks
You should always loosen the fill plug before draining.. if it happens to strip for some reason, then you’re screwed because you already drained it out.
probably better to put silicone around the bolt holes toward the inside. other than that very informative. thanks
My car has traveled 195,000 kilometers, is it possible to change the differential oil or not?
What rear end is this? I've got some one but thought it was a 9 3/4, my tag says 55 88 which is showing an 8.8
I got 2013 ford f150 5.0L is it good idea to change the rear differential and why?
I can’t figure witch oil wait to use on my 2006 ford ranger xlt 3.0 there’s not a tag on my dif that’s says and can I use full synthetic gear oil and how much oil does it take and do performance coil pack help or a stock one better
Isn't there a ratio between rear diff fill capacity and how much LS additive to add? (xx oz per quart of 75w-140 or something like that?)
Je Ps add 8oz of additive. I just read the owners manual. Mine is leaking. I gotta fix the leak. Making a gasket using RTV. Owners manual states you don’t need to change the fluid unless it’s leaking or it’s submerged in water.
yes,check your manual. My 250 is 16 oz. Sometimes youll need even more than recommended if its got a lot of wear. Most people add till it no longer chatters
How do you know if it’s at 20 pounds if you don’t have a wrench like that ?
+Sergio How Thank you for contacting us! A torque wrench would be needed to complete the install and to ensure it is tightened to the proper spec. Please let us know if you have any further questions, thank you.
Is the RTV necessary? or is just to hold the gasket in place
itlll leak most times if you dont
Good vid however a metal putty knife is much better to break the seal than a screwdriver which can gouge the housing surface
I got ford f150 5.0L why is it good to change the rear differential fluid?
An annoying ball bearing humming noise in your cabin that will make you crazy is the result of never have changed it.
My manual says it has "lifetime oil" and only change if you've been submerged under water. WTF magical oil lasts a lifetime? Anyways I changed it thanks to your video and the oilw as totally broken down , 22 years old. Lots of metal too.
Did it actually take 4 qt of oil
Would it be the same procedure for a 2018 f150?
+Joaquin Sanchez This procedure might be slightly different for your application. We do not currently have a how-to video for this particular year. Thank you for asking! 1AAuto.com
+Joaquin Sanchez You will want to use whatever weight oil the tag says. If you have a limited slip axle you will want to put in some additive like we show you in the video!
One thing you missed is the fill plug size nut or whatever size it is .
+Foeese Auau Thanks for the feedback!
How many qts of oil did you refill it with?
+River Deluca It would be in your manual.
Very nice video. Subscribed and I will be sure to check out your site
Thanks
Should you not wait a bit to let the rtv set up before you torque everything down?
yeah, 24 hours, but at least 2 hours
My bolts won't budge even with pb blaster applications.
U have to do this every time u replace the fluid?
Yes, to remove the sludge from the bottom at least. I've seen others use a fluid exchange pump using the fill-hole, but you aren't able to remove 100% of the oil or the any of the sediment from the bottom.
Anyone know if Excursion are Limited Slip or not. I wanna do mine and I have no idea. Tag is illegible.
I'd take the filler plug out first. Just incase there is a problem it's better to drive around with old oil than none at all.
1 a auto whats that plug looking thing ontop the rear diff??
ABS speed sensor.
How about the front diff now?
+sinnedam We do not have a video for this repair right now, but we'll keep this request in mind for a future video! 1AAuto.com
How much addictive should you use
Wow!
Is this important to change?
Why don't folks drill and tap a 1/8" NPT plug into the bottom reservoir? Then you never have to pull the cover again.
My cover would not come off 🤦🏽♂️ so hopefully my gasket holds from me trying to get it off I had to go to work so I just refilled it 😬
+JC Leonardo Thanks for checking us out!
Why you don’t debug it ? The new vehicles have a fill and drain plugs be honest mr Mike at least with your own people . Thank you
Man your hands must stink! That limited slip additive is some nasty stuff.....lol great video like always
+Michael Yocham All in a days work, as they say. We're glad you liked the video. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393
If Dwight shrute was a mechanic
They're actually 1/2 inch bolts...
Way to go ford, just another checkmark on the long long list of screw ups that ford is known for. This time is because there is no drain plug.
That fill Cap is a pain it's prolly rusty af.
If I did that, my gasket would leak every time.
Please wear gloves ... lol
Gare oil lol
I recommend gloves.
Cool video thanks
+jerkyboi916 Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com
the best repair video as always!! Thanks
Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393
Do you have to use a torque wrench?
+Larnson Boone This is highly recommended to ensure everything is tightened to manufacturer suggested torque specs.